by Chrystal Mahan

Created on: August 26, 2009   Last Updated: August 27, 2009

Tamanu Oil makes a excellent home herbal remedy for the treatment of acne.

Tamanu oil has been used traditionally as an herbal medicine in Africa and Asia. All parts of the plant (i.e. leaves, bar, and seeds) have been used in these regions as antiseptics, astringents, expectorants, diuretics, and purgatives. The oil possesses antimicrobial and antiviral activity.

Tamanu oil is used cosmetically because it possesses a unique capacity to promote the formation of new tissue, thereby accelerating wound healing and the growth of healthy skin. Ideally, it is an anti-aging solution. The modern day Fountain of Youth.

The process of forming new tissues is called cicatrization. This is why Tamanu oil is a widely used medicine. In Pacific Island folk medicine this tradition has been passed down from generation to generation. The Tamanu oil is applied liberally to dry or scaly skin, burns, cuts, scrapes, insect bites and stings, acne and acne scars, psoriasis, abrasions, diabetic sores, anal fissures, blisters, eczema, herpes sores, sunburn, and to reduce foot and body odor.

Tamanu oil can also be massaged into the skin to relieve rheumatism, sciatica, and neuralgia. Tamanu oil is noted by Polynesian women for promoting healthy, clear, blemish-free skin, and is also used on babies to prevent diaper rash and skin eruptions.

Tamanu oil works best when used for general skin and cosmetic purposes. The oil's unusual absorption, its luxurious feel, its mild and pleasant aroma, make it ideal for use in lotions, creams, ointments and other cosmetic products. Considering that Tamanu is a powerful healing agent with proven benefits, it is easy to see why Tamanu is breaking out to a more widespread use and is well on its way to being the top selling beauty product among its competitors.

The process of Tamanu is amazing and a bit odd. You see when the fruits of the tree are collected and cracked open, the blonde nut kernel inside contains no oil. But when the kernel dries on a rack for a month or so, it turns a deep, chocolate brown, and becomes sticky with rich, pleasant-smelling oil. Using a simple press, the oil is then squeezed from the dark kernels. The resulting oil of Tamanu is dark green and luxurious. Though oil of Tamanu is thick and rich, once it is applied to skin it is readily and completely absorbed, leaving no oily residue.

Traditionally Tamanu oil has been enjoyed for many years. Research goes back as far as 1918 and many cases have been reported a success. One example, a woman was taken to St. Louis Hospital in Paris with a large ulcer on her leg which would not heal. The ulcer was on the verge of becoming gangrene. Other treatments had proved to be a failure. Doctors were sure that amputation was inevitable. On a whim she was given regular dressings of Tamanu oil. The wound healed completely, leaving a smooth, flat scar. In other reported cases, Tamanu oil has been used successfully to heal severe burns caused by boiling water, chemicals and X-rays.

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